Early autumn heat wave to make its annual appearance

It seems to catch people off guard every year: An early autumn heat wave. But they come more often than not.

In Long Beach, highs today are expected to be in the upper 80s and are forecast to hit 93 Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The temperature is expected to steadily drop after that, however, with the predicted high falling by 20 degrees to 73 degrees Thursday.

"We're entering the Santa Ana season," said David Gomberg, a meterologist with the National Weather Service. "We're transitioning to that time of year."

Santa Anas are warm desert winds that arrive in the fall. They replace the cooler coastal flow that brings cooler air from the ocean.

While the winds haven't kicked in yet, the weak offshore patters are pushing up temperatures.

"Since it's still late September, we're dealing with hot conditions," he said.

No records are expected to be set during the heat wave - which is expected to last through Tuesday, but it'll be close, Gomberg said.

The record for Oct. 1 in Long Beach is 101.

"Monday will be the hottest, he said. "Tuesday it will still be very warm, with cooling along the coastal areas."